Driving Rental Cars to the Snow
From Thredbo to Perisher, Falls Creek to Mt Baw Baw, comes the oft-asked question: Are you allowed to drive your rental car up to the snow?
In their standard terms and conditions, the Big Boys of Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty do NOT allow you to take any rental cars above the snowline or to any area that requires the use of snow chains during the winter season (June-Sep/Oct). If you do, you will be fully liable for any and all damages to the car. However, selected branches of the various companies do offer you the option to purchase additional “snow cover” insurance. Also, keep a look out for special winter deals that may already include the snow cover on some vehicles.
To make your life easier (that’s what we’re here for after all), we’ve compiled your options for you.
Winter 2011 Car Hire Guide for NSW and VIC
Snow cover is usually only available at selected branches. Always double check for your required pickup location and the exact details of the offer.
| Budget | ||
| Look for the ‘Ski Magic’ deal on Intermediate up to Full-sized cars, 4WDs and Vans which allows you to drive to the snow from participating NSW and VIC locations. Standard excess applies. Available from pickups by 31 October 2011. Quote this BCD discount number: D010750 Go to Budget’s Offers page |
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| Europcar | ||
| Australian Snow Package 2011 This deal is available on Economy up to Full-Sized cars, 4WDs and Vans and prices are inclusive of the Snow Protection Package which gives you a lowered liability of A$385 and also covers windscreen, headlights and tyres. Extra free snow chains are provided for hires 5 days or more. Available for pickups by 30 October 2011 at participating NSW, QLD and VIC locations. Quote this CD Number: 0050480354 We recommend comparing the two options to see which one works out cheaper or suits you better. |
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| Hertz | ||
| A$22/day for SNO Cover on Economy up to Standard cars, 4WDs and Vans allows you to drive in the snow. Standard excess applies. This option can’t be added on online and must be done over the counter. Go to Hertz |
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| Thrifty | ||
| A$22/day for Snow Cover allows you to drive in the snow. Standard excess applies. This option can be added on to your rental during the online booking process. Go to Thrifty |
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| Bayswater Car Rental (Sydney only) | ||
| Available for Sydney rentals only, from June-September, a one-off A$50 Snow Cover fee will allow you to drive in the snow (specifically Cooma, Jindabyne, Perisher, Selwyn and Thredbo). It also comes with complimentary snow chains. Bayswater only carries Corolla Hatches and Sedans on which they offer excellent hire rates that come with a lowered Standard Cover of A$300. Go to Bayswater Car Rental |
[...] updated our Winter Car Hire Guide for 2010. All you need to know about who and where to rent from! Have a look see and enjoy tearing [...]